PIA Hajj operation 2011 completed

PIA hajj operation 2011 completed by bringing back over 110,000 Hajjis to Pakistan. PIA Spokesman said on Saturday.

He said this year PIA was allotted an exclusive Bay for processing of its flights, which helped in the PIA Post Hajj operation to become normal on fifth day. PIA lifted back about 110,726 Hujjaj through 273 flights to Pakistan. 96,200 Hujjaj were brought back through 266 special Hajj flights from Jeddah.

Congestion at Jeddah Airport where 80,000 to 100,000 passengers arrive at the same time for their return journey through 74 international carriers causes initial delays in departures of earlier flights. For continuous flow of information and facilitation of Hujjaj, a team of senior officials were deputed whose duty was to remain available among the passengers, electronic flight information display was installed at remote check in area where updated information about PIA was displayed. No other airline had installed such flight display monitor.

In order to ensure PIA visibility, all PIA employees working at hajj terminal are wearing fluorescent jackets with marking of ‘PIA HAJJ DUTY’.

Hujjaj were guided right from bus arrival area to the boarding area by a group of senior PIA representatives. PIA scouts equipped with loud speakers made important announcements for passengers’ convenience. A special team was dedicated for filling 100 percent immigration cards in order to facilitate Hujjaj through immigration process.

PIA also used metal detectors to pre-screen Hujjaj before the GID security check in order to prevent Hujjaj from unnecessary hassle and delays at GID security counters.